Zhuhai sits on the west bank of the Pearl River estuary, next to Macau and linked by bridge to Hong Kong. It is a resort city and one of China's original special economic zones, with a long waterfront, islands offshore and a mild southern Guangdong climate.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple. The core of the city is Xiangzhou District in the northeast, and within it the two areas that matter most for sleeping are Gongbei, pressed up against the Macau border, and Jida, along the coast. Xiangzhou proper and the northern districts of Tangjia and Jinding sit further out. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Zhuhai
1. Gongbei
Gongbei is the default choice for most visitors. It sits directly at the Macau border crossing, which makes it the most convenient base if you are crossing back and forth, and it puts you within walking distance of attractions, nightlife and the Walking Street bar area. Hotels here are mostly cheap or mid-range, and there are at least a dozen within short walking distance of the border.
It suits first-time visitors, nightlife-seekers and anyone who wants options on the doorstep. Prices can be bargained down, and special rates are common, though it is also common to see a low price advertised and find only more expensive rooms available when you arrive. Be aware that rooms near the Walking Street bars can be noisy into the early hours.
2. Jida
Jida is the upscale option, with primarily higher-end hotels that business travellers often choose. Many are conveniently located, though some sit further out and require a taxi or bus to reach the main sights. Most of the city's higher-end hotels are found here.
It suits travellers who want a quieter, more polished base and do not mind paying more or occasionally travelling to reach the action. If you want to be in the middle of things, this is not the area for that.
3. Xiangzhou
Xiangzhou offers a variety of options across different price ranges, making it a flexible middle ground. It is further out than Gongbei and Jida, so you trade some convenience for choice and price.
It suits budget travellers in particular: some hotels here can be had for very little if you look around. The Xiangzhou bus station area is also where touts offer private rooms, usually in family apartments, which are typically clean but involve several flights of stairs and a squat toilet.
4. Tangjia and Jinding
These northern districts are further removed from the action of Zhuhai and offer very cheap hotels. They suit travellers whose priority is the lowest possible price and who do not need to be near the border, the waterfront or the nightlife.
The trade-off is distance: you will be relying on buses or taxis to reach the rest of the city. If you look around, rooms here can be found for the lowest rates in the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: low-end hotels, particularly in Gongbei and Xiangzhou, plus the cheapest options in Tangjia and Jinding. Outside of hotels, there are hostels and private rooms offered by individuals or families, and massage parlours on the Gongbei Walking Street where you can pay for a massage and sleep until mid-day.
- Mid-range: the bulk of Gongbei's hotels near the border fall into this bracket, alongside three-star hotels in Xiangzhou and Jida. Expect standard hotel services and rooms that most travellers would find comfortable.
- Splurge: the higher-end hotels, most of which are located in Jida.
Best area for a first visit
Gongbei is the best base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of the Macau border, the attractions, the nightlife and a wide choice of reasonably priced hotels. Most people choose to stay here for exactly that combination of convenience and choice.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I want to cross into Macau?
Gongbei. The border crossing is right there, and at least a dozen hotels sit within short walking distance of it.
Where should I stay if I want an upscale hotel?
Jida, which has primarily upscale hotels and where most of the higher-end hotels in the city are located.
Where can I find the cheapest accommodation?
The northern districts of Tangjia and Jinding, which are further removed from the action and offer very cheap hotels. Xiangzhou also has low-priced hotels, and private rooms are offered around the Xiangzhou bus station.
Is Gongbei noisy?
It can be. Rooms near the Walking Street bar area may have music audible until the early hours, so if you are sensitive to noise, ask for a room away from the bars or consider Jida or Xiangzhou instead.
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